FAQs

Article Body

General

How does this program differ from other educator development programs (e.g. APA Educational Scholars Program, PEEAC, etc)?The APEX Teaching Program has several unique features that clearly differentiate it from any other program offered in Pediatrics at the national level. First, it focuses on teaching skills for clinical educators, not the development of educational scholarship skills. Though the latter is valuable, there are many clinicians whose priority is the former. Second, it is a longitudinal program, rather than a one-time conference. Participants will communicate throughout the interval year via asynchronous web-based assignments and maintain a relationship with the program through the successive summer onsite program. Finally, it offers an opportunity for direct observation and feedback of clinical teaching in real time settings.

What is the time commitment for the program?Participants will engage in six hours of learning during the preconference session on the Thursday of the PHM National Conference. They will reconvene on the Saturday of PHM for 1 hour. In the 2nd year, they will have another 6 hours on the Thursday of the PHM Annual Meeting and a graduation dinner that night.

During the interim year, we anticipate approximately 2 to 3 hours a quarter for longitudinal work and 2 hours for observations.

Applic​ation

What if I want to apply to the program, but I don't have a "local mentor" who can observe my teaching?You should still apply to the program. If you want to participate but are having trouble identifying a mentor, the APEX program can help you identify a regional mentor outside of your institution. We are fortunate to have well known educators across the nation who are willing to help with this program. Email the program before you apply to facilitate identification of a mentor before the application deadline.

Co​sts

Will I have to pay tuition for both years of attendance?No. The tuition is for the entire program.

Do I have to pay for PHM registration as well as the tuition?Yes. The registration is separate from the tuition. The conference is when you can obtain your elective credit, and our first year wrap-up is during PHM.

Will the conference rate for hotels be available on the Wednesday night before the pre course?Yes. It will be available. We encourage potential participants to book as early as possible to secure lodging, even as early as when you apply for the program. Hotel reservations can be cancelled without penalty.

Will CME be offered for the program?No. This will not be a CME program, but it is a certificate program, and graduates will have the designation of having completed the program.

Co​ntent

What topics are covered in the core program at PHM?

Setting the Stage for Success

Effective Clinical Teaching

Giving Feedback

Working with Struggling Learners

Teaching Scholarship: Cohort Workshop Development

Building a Career in Medical Education: Advice from the Experts

What types of courses would be counted for the electives?Each year, the core faculty will review the programs for PHM, PEEAC, APPD, COMSEP, and PAS. We will select and designate workshops that are consistent with the mission of the APEX Teaching Program. Participants will have the list prior to each conference.

What topics will be included in the interim web-based program?Each quarter will relate to one of the core modules that are offered through the PHM onsite program. The web-based and asynchronous nature of the interim program will allow participants to engage in the topics in a more autonomous and interactive way. This will include reading of current literature on the topic, posting of reflections, links to blogposts, and dialogue through a chat board.

Logi​stics​

Does the APEX teaching course conflict with PHM educational offerings/sessions?No. APEX is designed to complement the educational offerings at PHM. Participants in APEX can meet some of their course requirements through attendance at PHM workshops.

If I participate in APEX, can I also participate fully in the PHM Conference?Yes. APEX sessions are separate from PHM and there are no timing conflicts.

Can I participate if I am not planning to go to PHM this year?Two of the unique advantages of this program are the establishment of a national cohort of educators, as well as the opportunity to engage in core modules at PHM. Presence at two consecutive PHM national meetings is essential to engagement with the program.

Do I need to attend two consecutive PHMs, or can I stagger them?One of the strengths of the program is the relationship of the cohort. To build and maintain this cohort, we ask that participants start and complete the program together. So the PHM meetings must be consecutive.

Besides the knowledge gained and cohort developed, will there be some sort of official recognition of my participation in the program?Yes. There will be a certificate of completion sponsored by APEX, the AAP SOHM and the APA.

What are the requirements for my local mentor?Your local mentor will be asked to complete two observations of your clinical teaching in the year between your two PHM conferences. They will be provided with observation checklists depending on the venue of the teaching, which we will ask them to complete and return to you. They will also provide a short debriefing session with feedback after each observation.

Your local mentor will be a valuable aspect of this program. As noted, we ask that they meet with you quarterly as well as complete two observations and debriefs. Due to the contact time that this requires, we recommend a mentor who is experienced, but also has time to have these interactions. If you are having trouble finding a faculty member at your institution that fits this role, please contact us and we can help find someone at your institution or in the area.

What should I do if I can't find a local mentor?Applicants are encouraged to contact their division or department chairs, residency or fellowship program directors, or designated institutional officers to seek assistance in securing a local mentor. If the applicant needs additional assistance, the planning committee can help applicants identify a local or regional mentor. Please contact Barrett Fromme at APEXTeachPrgm@aap.org for more information.